A life made up of firstsFirst words, first steps, first date, first kiss and first loves. The story of our lives are filled with momentous “firsts” strung together that tell a story of triumph, love and loss. While I don’t remember my early firsts, I do remember my first date, my first kiss and I can vividly recall the first moment I knew my husband was the “one.” Becoming a parent means savoring the many firsts of my children and just thinking of some of those momen...

Letters to the editor (May 3, 2012)Many Thanks I want to thank the EMT from Pottsville and the men from Russellville’s EMT for assisting me in the wreck I was in on State Highway 7 on April 24. Everyone was so nice to me in getting me to the hospital. Many thanks to Russellville Police and especially Gary Collins. Thanks to everyone at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. Bobby Dixon Pottsville 2012 National Prayer Day Today is National Day of Prayer 2012. The following prayer w...

Letters to the editor (May 2, 2012)Convention Center Land Purchase In regards to the use of the property purchased for a Convention Center, perhaps it is time for the residents of Russellville to begin thinking “outside the box.” Why not explore the possibility of using this land for other options, such as a community complex comprised of a new library, an aquatic center, an auditorium or other selected amenities which could be used by all residents? Currently the property is a...

Literary classics, capitalism’s feuding apologists relatedThe democratic laissez-faire (minimal regulation) capitalism appeared first chronologically; therefore, it is not surprising that Adam Smith’s nonfiction classic “Wealth of Nations,” which is this economic system’s most noted supporter, should have also been earliest on the scene. Smith not only describes this laissez-faire system (sometimes called social Darwinism) but also lauds it highly. This nonfiction work was followed 175 years later by...

Lesson LearnedLast week I had the privilege to speak with two very remarkable women. Both of them are inspirations, and for the same, yet different reasons. I don’t usually comment on stories I write, but I had to get this out so people would understand why their stories are so moving. It has been said every person has a story. and I have found that to be true. Dig deep enough and you’ll find something extraordinary about anyone. But you don’t have to dig t...

Talking news and the future at Pottsville career dayPOTTSVILLE — I spent Friday morning at Pottsville High School speaking with students about a career in journalism during career day at the school. My new friend, Pottsville High School English teacher Andrea Hooper, was my host as I spoke to, and with, about 50 sophomores, juniors and seniors over the course of four hours about how I got my start in the print journalism business, and why and how they, too, could become journalists. In the firs...

Letters to the editor (April 27, 2012)Dover accidents I’m curious about how many accidents we’ve had the past few years on State Highway 7 at the area by the Dover Sonic. We’ve had two within the past week. It’s a dangerous hill and area there in the curve. It was worse a few years ago when it was a two-lane and sharp curve — and we had several there, some with deaths, like last week’s accident. How many accidents have to happen before the Highway Department lists it as needing im...

Letters to the editor (April 25, 2012)A voice from the past Dear citizens, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” Abraham Lincoln Dan Lightfoot Russellville Banks charge for checks I know that the banks have to make money. But I think it is a little ridiculous when you take a $3.50 check to one of our local banks and they want $2 to cash it. No, we haven’t got an account there but we do hav...

I lost an important guy this weekWhen I got the news Thursday I went numb. It seems nothing slams you like the news of the death of a person you love and admire. My mind scattered in a dozen directions thinking about the times I had seen Levon Helm, both as a solo artist, as well as the drummer and a singer with The Band. A melody of his music slipped through my consciousness and his raspy voice, with a sharp, east Arkansas drawl, echoed in my thoughts the rest of the day. Hi...

Habitat for Humanity merits supportI am a volunteer working to raise money for Habitat for Humanity of Pope County. My husband and I grew up in Arkansas, but not in Pope County. We spent almost 40 years living and working in St. Petersburg, Fla. When we started looking for a place to retire, we visited Pope County several times. We chose Pope County for its natural beauty and the sense of community among its people. When the people of Pope County see a need, they try to meet it...

Not an incident, a real-life tragedyDOVER — Today has been one week since I began covering the tragedy that happened at Dover Middle School. On one hand, it seems like I’ve been reporting about that same event for a lifetime now, and on the other hand, it seems like it was just yesterday the call came across the scanner. The tragedy struck especially at home with me because I have two young children enrolled in Dover schools and I’ve been asking personal and invasive questions t...

Letters to the editor (April 17, 2012)Fracking shouldn't be allowed I am a concerned citizen with the drilling for gas that is being considered in our beautiful part of Arkansas. Fracking is the new way to obtain the gas that is otherwise trapped beneath the ground. Fracking fluids contain carcinogens and should not be in any way shape or form allowed to be stored in a well that can seep into our water system. We are poisoning ourselves by allowing any form of poison to be stored ...

Jesus shows the way to true greatnessLuke 24: “A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.” 25: “Jesus said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors.’” 26: “But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.” 27: “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the o...

Expressing yourself through poetry — from a boy’s perspectiveThe kids ask some profound questions from the backseat. “Dad, why do people write poems?” Greg asked on afternoon as we drove home from school. I started to give him an off-the-cuff answer, but then it hit me — this really is a good question. Why do people write poems? “Why do people do anything?” I asked. “Why do they paint pictures?” “Because pictures are cool,” Greg said. “I’m asking you about poems.” I thought about some of the answers for...

Billy Joe wild plantsLast week Billy Joe Tatum of Melbourne — a master of Ozark wild foods — passed away at the age of 80. She researched and wrote extensively about wild foods, appeared on national television programs like the "Tonight Show," and cooked for famous artists and politicians at her home she referred to as “Wildflower.” Tatum first began learning about wild foods from members of the Izard County community where her husband took a job as a country doct...

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Meredith Martin-MoatsThe Courier Your Messenger For The River Valley

Letters to the editor (April 6, 2012)Counselor sighting confirmed I must confess my fears of my own competence were greatly exaggerated. Despite my assertion, I would be unable to stay within the confines of the Arkansas Public School Student Services Act, I did manage to complete the test coordination duties associated with the 11th grade Literacy Exam in less time than allowed. I congratulate myself on a job poorly done. While I am patting myself on the back, I also must acknow...

Faith and credulityWhile everyone believes something, certain convictions appear more credible than others. “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:16). As when Abel offered a better sacrifice than Cain. Since the former offered that which was reserved for an honored guest, while the latter made a token gesture. Or as when Noah, wh...

Garden booksAs the days grow unseasonably warmer, the wood sorrel in my front yard is beginning to bloom. Often called false shamrocks, the wood sorrel comes in hundreds of varieties and is sometimes considered a weed. Sometimes referred to as oxalis, the little pink or yellow flowers shoot up from the three-leaf clover-like base of the plant. In the variety I have, the plants grow in fat, round clumps. My plant comes from a cutting of a plant that once g...

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Meredith Martin-MoatsThe Courier Your Messenger For The River Valley

Birthday wishes and spring feverSpring has officially sprung! Flowers are blooming and the grass is growing. Birds are chirping and if you live at my house, the owl is also hooting. Loudly and quite annoyingly near my bedroom window early in the morning. I am not a fan. I do love this time of year. My snowball bush is full and fragrant. I love smelling it when the wind blows just right. My kids have begun picking flowers, which means I need new vases for their many bouquets....

Southeast of DisorderAs I answered health and travel questions at the Red Cross blood donation center on West Main Street Friday morning, I noted the importance of such questions to insure only non-infected blood is collected. The few minutes taken to answer the questions is totally worth the effort to ensure the safety of those receiving the blood we donate to the Red Cross. Then, as collection specialist Sherry Mann led me to the seat where I would pump a unit o...